APRIL 2025 – ISSUE # 329 –
HAPPY EARTH DAY
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION MONTH
National Volunteer Week (NVW) pays tribute to the millions of Canadian volunteers who donate their time and energy. This year, NVW is from April 27h – May 3rd and the theme is: “Volunteers Make Waves”. To help say ‘thank you’ to volunteers, Volunteer Canada has developed programs to access resources and products that can be attained through their website: https://volunteer.ca/ or by Twitter #NVW2025 or Facebook page: @VolunteerCanada. There is plenty of information and ideas on how to foster more volunteerism in our communities. In our area be sure to contact “Volunteer Halifax” at http://volunteerhalifax.ca/ that links people with local non-profit community organizations, supporting persons with disabilities, new Canadians, corporations and professionals to connect to organizations in and around the municipality, helping individuals develop skills to advance their careers, and developing knowledge resources that support effective and efficient volunteer capacity. Connect with them through email at: info@volunteerhalifax.ca . Each year the Mayor and HRM Council recognize the extraordinary contributions of individuals and groups who volunteer their time and skills to provide services and programs in our communities. Our local community hall associations are in desperate need for more volunteers. Due to a publication ban, this year’s list of HRM Volunteers is embargoed until mid-April, so a complete list of those honourees from our district will be in my May 2025 newsletter and will also be posted online at: www.halifax.ca/about-halifax/volunteering .
CANADA VOLUNTEER AWARDS
The Canada’s Volunteer Awards (CVA) consists of twenty-one awards, including one national award, the Thérèse Casgrain Lifelong Achievement award, and 20 regional awards. The regional awards are distributed across five regions in the following four categories: Community Leader, Emerging Leader, Business Leader, and Social Innovator. It is time to nominate an outstanding individual, a not-for-profit organization, a social enterprise, or a socially responsible business who has made a significant contribution in improving the lives of others in their community through volunteering. Help them get the recognition they deserve. The award recipients will be recognized at an award ceremony and will be given the opportunity to select a not-for-profit organization to receive a grant. They will also participate in a roundtable discussion with fellow recipients and join the vibrant Canada’s Volunteer Awards community. The nomination period is officially open and will run until May 8, 2025.
To learn more about the Canada’s Volunteer Awards: visit: www.Canada.ca/volunteer-awards . If you have questions, please contact them via email Info-cva-pbc-gd@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca. or call 1-877-825-0434.
ORDER OF NOVA SCOTIA NOMINEES
The nomination deadline for the Order of Nova Scotia (ONS) is Friday, April 18th. The ONS recognizes Nova Scotians for outstanding contributions to their communities. Nova Scotians are encouraged to nominate or re-nominate someone they feel has made a significant contribution. Nomination forms are available at Access Nova Scotia Centres throughout the province. For more information, please contact the NS Protocol Office by phone at 902-424-2467, fax 902-424-4309 or by email at orderofnovascotia@gov.ns.ca For all details and related information, please visit the ONS website by visiting: https://novascotia.ca/iga/order.asp .
CELEBRATE 55th EARTH DAY – APRIL 22nd
It has been 55 years since April 22nd was declared as Earth Day. Back in 1970, it mobilized millions of citizens to lobby for the protection of the planet. The first Earth Day is accredited with launching the modern environmental movement and is now recognized as the planet’s largest civic event. The campaign theme for 2025: Our Power, Our Planet by inviting everyone around the globe to unite behind renewable energy, and to triple the global generation of clean electricity by 2030. www.earthday.org/earth-day-2025/
MACPASS PASSES AWAY
After 25 years, the use of MACPASS transponders to cross Halifax Harbour Bridges has come to an end. Initially the Province was going to eliminate the tolls on April 1st, but later on they accelerated that termination date to March 17th. And the MACPASS PLUS Parking at the Halifax Airport has also ended. There are more than 200,000 active accounts with a balance. MACPASS staff will begin closing accounts and refunding money to users with links to credit cards. This exercise may take several weeks. Drivers are advised to remove the sticker from their windshield and throw it in the garbage. If you have a hard-shell, place it in your blue bag recycling as it is considered e-waste. It should be noted that the 70th anniversary of the Macdonald (Old) Bridge is on April 2nd.
SHACCCA 90TH ANNIVERSARY
The Sheet Harbour & Area Chamber of Commerce and Civic Affairs( SHACCCA ) is an unique organization and supports more than local businesses. Operated exclusively by member volunteers the Civic Affairs aspect of the organization has become a voice for localresidents. SHACCCA supports local amenities, activities and events. Their main objective is to facilitate the growth of the economy of the HRM Eastern Shore East region, through ensuring the establishment of the necessary infrastructure for economic and social well-being, while constantly being guided by its membership. They serve to maintain and create an environment that continues to grow the quality of life of the local citizens through a prosperous economy and a social network that meets the needs of all. This year they will be celebrating their 90th Anniversary on Saturday, April 26th at 6 PM in the Lions Centre on Pool Road. Guest Speaker will be HRM Mayor Anny Fillmore. More information can be found on their Facebook page or www.sheetharbour.ca or by email : sheetharbourchamber@gmail.com
FIRESMART PROGRAM & ASSESSMENT
The FireSmart program helps protect residents, their homes, neighbourhoods, critical infrastructure and vital natural resources from wildfire. This is achieved through seven disciplines that help neighbourhoods address the threat of wildfire: vegetation management, emergency planning, education, legislation, development, interagency cooperation and cross-training. This is a shared responsibility involving all levels of government and participation from private sectors and neighbours. Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency Services ( HRFES ) will partner with residents and communities in reducing interface fire risk on their properties through this program. Through a voluntary process, residents can register to receive a wildfire risk assessment for their property using the FireSmart standard.
Residents will be given a report of their homes and recommendations for reducing the risk of interface fire on their property structures. For more information, check out this info-graphic sheet: www.halifax.ca/sites/default/files/documents/about-the-city/energy-environment/intactcentre_3-steps-to-a-cost-effective-firesmart-home_halifax.pdf To apply for a home assessment, go to: www.halifax.ca/form/hrfe-firesmart
HRM INTERIM TAX BILL DUE APRIL 30TH
This HRM sends out its tax bills to all property owners twice a year. The Interim bill was mailed mid-March and is due on Wednesday, April 30th. The final bill will be due Friday, October 31st. If you have any enquiries about your tax bill, please call the HRM Contact Centre at 311 or on-line at: www.halifax.ca/home-property/property-taxes
POTHOLES & VEHICLE CLAIMS
If you see or hit a pothole on a HRM street, then report it by calling 311 or using HRM online form at http://halifax.ca/potholes. If you have any questions about this form/survey, please call 311 or email: contactus@311.halifax.ca You can also find answers to common questions, priorities and timelines on the HRM website.
www.halifax.ca/transportation/streets-sidewalks/paving-repair/report-a-pothole To make a claim against the municipality for any vehicle damage, you will need to have called 311 to get a Service Request Reference File Number with your contact information and HRM Risk Management Team will contact you.
If you have incurred damage on a provincial roadway, you may submit a claim to Insurance and Risk Management at the Department of Service Nova Scotia and Internal Services, for consideration. Compensation is paid when an investigation finds that the province was negligent in their duties and that negligence resulted in your damage. Submit your claim within 30 days of the incident to ensure that your claim meets the notice requirement. Use SNSIS Claim Form and send evidence to support your claim. https://novascotia.ca/tran/publications/vehicle_property_damage_claim_form.pdf Submit your claim b Email : risk@novascotia.ca or by Fax : 902-424-2325 or Mail: NS Insurance & Risk Management - PO Box 2205, Halifax, NS B3J 3C4
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